Racial Discrimination
 

Hi there

Berfore I start my pilot training, i want to know if it is common for the airlines to prefer white pilots rather than pilots of another colour puerly on the colour of their skin?

I'm an asian (Indian) ,born and raised in London and even though being 110% British I fear due to the recent climate regarding the aviation industry my skills and qualites may be overlooked due to the colour of my skin.

All comments appreciated


Thank you

In an ideal world you should be hired purely on your skills. No one can guarantee that you wont experience discrimination during your flying career, chances are you probably wont.

Saying that, racial discrimination will always continue (to some degree no matter how small it may be) and so does anti-semitism(of which I have been exposed to myself).

Hold your head high, let your flying skills do the talking, and dont take no ****!

How do mate,

I know exactly where your coming from!
Im a Sikh lad who was born and bred in Glasgow so im 110% Scottish and very proud of my country (even though our rugby team got beat by argentina! come on scotland, get your finger out!)

Anyway, like I said before im Sikh and have a turban and beard. Which means instant discrimination which pi$$es me off. Since 9/11 its been worse and it put me off becoming a pilot. Even though Sikhism is a completly different religion.

But now, Ive started my PPL and going on to do modular at Oxford.

In short, I couldnt care less what anyone else thinks, I'm happy in my own skin.

So keep that in mind and you should have no problems mate

Good luck!

In any walk of life you will come across a small minority of idiots who believe they can judge someone from the place he was borne or the colour of his skin. So, yes, you will probably find some prejudice in our industry but, on the other hand, many major players are keen to prove their PC credentials and go out of their way to recruit from minorities. Swings and roundabouts.

I work for easyJet which for all its faults is truly one of the most cosmipolitan companies I have ever come across. The colour of your skin is simply not an issue - we have Muslims, Christians, Hindhus, Sikhs, atheists, black, white, yellow and people from just about every nation you can think of. Your racial background is simply a non-issue. At our national carriler, British Airways, being an ethnic minority is positively an advantage in that they are desparate to be seen to be recruiting from all sections of the community. I truly believe that the airline industry is one of the most open and accepting environments you could ever be in. Have no fears mate - this is a safe place for you.

The airline I work for has a reputation for being sexist and, possibly racist. We have a number of Muslim pilots plus some from other ethnic groups and even some females. I would guess we employ some Indians.

I think you will find the issue is not the colour of your skin or what "church" you go to at the weekend but what sort of person you are and how you get on with people.

Me, I can't stand evangelical Christians!

Don't take offence, but why would you say British and not English?

I did notice that the Sikh geezer was happy to describe himself as Scottish whereas a Sikh mate of mine from Southall describes himself as British not English.

Bit off topic, just interested that's all.

I really don't think that you should have problems. I can't recall ever having seen a pilot wearing a turban though. Good luck on being the first!

Cheers GMED:ok:

I think there is a few turban wearing pilots, but im not 100% sure either. I believe its not really a field Sikhs venture into mainly because it has nothing to do with medicine, dentistry, pharmacy etc.... (Bad joke there!) :E

But im hoping it wont stop me getting a job. My instructor says it shouldn't be an issue.

For one, they'll probably be amazed by my accent!
Most people are!

Racism
 

"Me, I can't stand evangelical Christians". Is this really acceptable?

Try..."Me, I can't stand fundamental Muslims" and see how far that gets you.

If my posting is deleted, please consider the Christian-bashing contribution that preceeded it.

And no racism intended.

This thread was always unlikely to stick to the path that the question intended. This is the Terms & endearment forum and as such those of you slipping off the path into the ditch will find your posts do likewise. Please read the original question and answer accordingly.

Come to the states my friend ;) Diversity is our middle name. (ok well maybe our First name)

No other country in the world has such a mix of peoples from all around the globe holding positions of power at so many levels - this is a fact. This diversity, I believe, is a key strength for the country.

As far as the airlines here go, I do admit seeing mostly white fellows up in the pointy end - but I think the variance of ethnicity is greater here than anywhere else - no scientific evidence to support my claim - but I have a good feeling it must be true.
United Airlines is well known for their 'quota' system ensuring more minorities are given cockpit opportunities.

I wonder if there is data (from like ALPA or something) showing the racial makeup of flight crews worldwide ?

best regards

RoyBoy,

In British Airways, where I work, we have people of every race and creed on the planet. A major airline cannot survive otherwise. I believe there is no discrimination of any sort.

The colour of one's skin matters not a jot although behaviour, beliefs and attitude may be a different matter. And that applies to everyone.

We have at least two pilots who wear a turban.

Go for it.

It's my belief that you will acually have a better chance.

Companies should idealy recruit the best person for a job regardless of race/colour/creed/sex ect. Sadly companies cannot be trusted to do this so they are leagally bound to.

It's a sad state of affairs that people are not employed on just on their skills/merits but to also to meet quota's and as stated above to make the company look good.

My advice is to go ahead and start your training. It's hard work and fun but the jobs are few and far between.

BB

You will find probably one or two individuals who are like this, but airlines on a whole are just interested in that you can do the job and have the quals.

Like others have said, you got Black pilots, Asian Pilots, Semitic Pilots ect ect.

I know of one Ex-Air Jamaica pilot at virgin and another black one at KLM, and of course, theres me :p

as long as you get your head down and not think about it, it wont be a problem

good luck!

That reminds me of the first time I met a white 3rd gen Jamaican. He spoke just like a blackman! Very confusing.

As a British (English) Asian Pilot (now who's being PC??) who works for a large UK Jet airline, I can happily report that I have not felt a jot of racism from my fellow pilots, in general I have found pilots to be very tolerant and open minded. I believe this come from pilots generally being well educated and well travelled.

As for positive discrimination I'm not sure about that, you still have to meet and exceed the standard in flying and personal qualities to be selected and succeed in a very competitive industry.

Apart from the occasional thoughtless remark from the girls post 7/7 the airline staff are very colour blind. I have noticed the odd dodgy look from the pax but nothing to really get excited about.

So in summary don't let your background bother you just strive to set a very high standard and let your results and abilities talk for you.

Racism
 

I am a British Citizen of Indian descent working as a Captain A320 in an airline in India. I have been 27 years in aviation military and civil. My honest opinion after having searched for a job in UK for 2 years is:

- is that the colour of the skin will matter with the HR guys/gals who interview you. To the pilots the professional aspects are all that matter, so choose an airline where pilots control the interviews.

- where u WILL be discriminated against is the colour of your passport and age (either you are too young or too old).

My personal opinion.

I'm a british born Indian, and I caught the flying bug from a very young age.

I was determined that nothing was gonna stop me from reaching my goal.
And I can honestly say that I have not experienced any discrimination.

After completing my CAP509, Cabair forwarded my CV to a major regional airline. Went for my first interview, had a laugh with the interviewer and got the job.

After several years moved onto a major UK charter airline, now flying airbuses. And still having a laugh with the crew.

In the several years of flying I have only had a problem with 1 captain. As it turned out this was not due to my permanently tanned skin, as all the other FO's had a problem with him.

Follow your dream, STUDY HARD (I cannot stress that enough, I did a degree at uni. That was a holiday compared to the intense flying course). Provided you are a decent enough person and not a nutter I'm sure we'll see you in the right hand seat in the future.

Just for the stats, my airline employs Muslims, Sikhs and Hindus.

And don't let the turban put you off, I've seen a turban wearing pilot at BA, BY and BMIbaby

Thanks Guys that really did help alot!

After all thats happened you can't help but think that you will be discriminated against.

Reading all your comments has really put my mind at ease. thank you everyone and good luck to all of you whatever race/religon/age/sex you are.

Thank you